
Silk and satin are both smooth and soft, but they are actually very different products. Silk is natural, and it is made only from cocoons of silk worms. Satin, a man made product, can be produced from combinations of silk, polyester or nylon threads. The common point of them is that they both originated in China and their materials are very versatile.
- Look at the fabrics. Silk has a shimmering appearance. Satin, on the other hand, has a glossy surface.
- Feel the fabric. Satin is more delicate than silk. So when handling it, more care is needed. To pull slightly at the fabric, you will discover that satin moves easily while the silk has very little give.
- Touch the fabric. Silk and satin are both smooth and soft. However, silk feels much smoother than satin. And satin has a slightly rougher feel, though not too much.
Remember, satin can be made of silk. So, it is normal to say that there is a silk in a satin. It is an impure silk material.